Watch for turtles crossing traffic in late May and early June. Turtles leave their aquatic habitat near lakes, wetlands and streams to lay eggs in drier areas this time of year. They often cross roads and can make return trips during summer and fall as hatchlings emerge.
Use caution driving near wetlands. When safe to do so, brake for turtles that are crossing. If you move a turtle, lift it with both hands by the middle or back of its shell and place it on the side of the road it was headed toward. You can also use a stick, broom or other similar object to gently nudge the turtle along.
Never place your hands in range of a turtle’s mouth. Some species, such as snapping turtles (𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘺𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢) and spiny softshell turtles (𝘈𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢), have powerful bites.